Can CBD Help With Your Weight Loss Goals?
Recent studies show that obesity rates in the United States have increased by more than 50% since 1980. This has caused a significant increase in medical costs, as well as many other health problems for those who are obese. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that at least $100-150 billion was spent on healthcare related to obesity in 2008 alone, and — if this trend continues — that number is expected to exceed $400 billion by 2030.
Increasing public awareness of the obesity epidemic has spurred new consumer habits in recent years. More Americans than ever before are working out, and experimenting with less processed foods (e.g. certified organic food). One of the most novel assistive methods in aiding fat loss is the supplementary consumption of cannabidiol, or CBD.
A quick crash course on CBD
CBD is the primary cannabinoid in hemp, which doesn’t have the psychoactive properties of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some studies suggest that CBD can help people lose weight by suppressing their appetite, without causing any side effects to the body or brain. Other benefits associated with CBD in preliminary studies include but are not limited to stress relief, pain management, and anti-inflammatory action.
It’s important to note that several benefits associated with CBD can assist anyone in living a more healthy lifestyle, because of the way they interact with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system (ECS). This means there are no contraindications when taking CBD oil, which makes it a safe and viable weight loss aid.
For the goal of losing weight, standard to extra strength CBD hemp oil drops are recommended, as they contain the highest concentration of CBD (up to 40%) compared to CBD oils, edibles, shampoos or vapes. CBD drops can be purchased online or at your local cannabis dispensary.
The generally recommended dosage for new users is one drop under the tongue for every 10 pounds of body weight. Individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease should consult a physician before taking CBD drops.
As of this writing, there are no serious side effects associated with CBD. In this post, we go over two vital roles CBD supplementation can play in your weight loss journey, and how they can have directly positive effects as opposed to fad diets and sketchy energy formulas with synthetic ingredients.
CBD’s Effect on Pain, Inflammation & Recovery
Like the other active chemicals found in cannabis (e.g. terpenes), CBD interacts with the ECS, a biological communication network that plays a role in just about every aspect of our physiological health: mood, memory, appetite and more. This is key in maintaining a healthy exercise regimen for fat loss, directly affecting recovery rates and workout quality.
CBD balances out the ECS to produce a healthy endocannabinoid system. By keeping endocannabinoid levels well-regulated, you avoid effects associated with hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances, which is a large part of athletic injuries like muscle soreness and inflammation.
Overproduction of signaling molecules like prostaglandins (pain) and cytokines (swelling) is the main culprit behind the chronic pain and inflammatory conditions linked to the accumulated wear and tear that comes with regular gym time. CBD’s modulatory effect on the ECS — which in turn regulates hormone and neurotransmitter production, sensitivity and response — can play a role in enhancing recovery and getting you back in the gym sooner.
CBD’s Effect on Sleep Dysfunction & Homeostasis
Another antagonist to proper hormonal balance is sleep quality, or lack of it. Progesterone, commonly known as the fatigue hormone, spikes with too little sleep or poor rest quality, as can dopamine and serotonin. Put simply, an unhealthy hormonal balance makes it very hard to maintain a healthy diet and regular workout schedule, as sensations of fatigue and lack of motivation overtake the ability to focus.
CBD has been shown to benefit sleep dysfunction, which can manifest in the form of anything from chronic insomnia to irregular sleep patterns. It does this by promoting wakefulness during the day, warding off daytime drowsiness and narcolepsy, and in turn promoting healthier sleeping cycles. This not only helps you secure those crucial eight hours of sleep when it counts the most, but restores homeostasis as well.
All in all, CBD can be a viable supplement to conventional forms of sport therapy (e.g. massage, regular stretching) and a healthy diet or exercise plan. Because of its potential role in neurophysiological health, proper dosages of a quality CBD product just might give you an edge in your fat loss journey.